Obolaria: The Humble Native Pennywort That Deserves a Second Look
If you’ve never heard of obolaria (Obolaria virginica), you’re not alone. This unassuming little native plant tends to fly under the radar in most gardening circles, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. While it won’t win any beauty contests or stop traffic with showy blooms, this quiet woodland dweller has earned its place in the native plant world through sheer persistence and ecological value.
What Exactly Is Obolaria?
Obolaria, commonly known as pennywort or Virginia pennywort, is a perennial forb native to the eastern United States. As a forb, it’s essentially an herbaceous plant—think of it as nature’s ground cover that knows how to keep things simple. Unlike shrubs or trees, obolaria lacks significant woody tissue and dies back to ground level each winter, returning faithfully each spring from its underground roots.
Where You’ll Find This Native Gem
This native plant has quite an impressive range across the lower 48 states, calling home to 22 states from Alabama all the way up to Pennsylvania and west to Texas. You’ll find obolaria thriving in states including Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Honest Truth About Obolaria’s Looks
Let’s be real here—obolaria isn’t going to be the star of your garden’s Instagram posts. This little plant typically reaches just 3-6 inches tall and spreads slowly through underground stems. Its flowers are tiny, purplish-white affairs that appear in late spring, and its leaves look more like small scales than traditional foliage. But sometimes, the most interesting plants are the ones that make you look twice.
Why You Might Want to Grow Obolaria
Here’s where obolaria shines, even if it does so quietly:
- Native plant credentials: If you’re building a native plant garden, obolaria brings authentic local heritage to your landscape
- Woodland ground cover: Perfect for filling in gaps under trees where other plants struggle
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
- Wildlife support: Those tiny flowers do attract small pollinators and insects
- Conversation starter: Your plant-nerd friends will be impressed by your botanical knowledge
Who Should Skip Obolaria?
This plant isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine:
- If you want bold, colorful flowers, look elsewhere
- Formal garden enthusiasts might find it too weedy looking
- Those seeking fast-spreading ground covers will be disappointed by its slow growth
- Container gardeners—this one really wants to be in the ground
Growing Obolaria Successfully
The good news? Obolaria is pretty easygoing once you understand what it wants. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of the continental United States.
Perfect Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial to full shade—think woodland floor conditions
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-draining woodland soil with plenty of organic matter
- Moisture: Consistent moisture without being waterlogged
- pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil works best
Planting and Care Tips
Getting obolaria established requires patience more than skill. Plant it in spring in a shaded area with rich, organic soil. Water regularly the first year while it establishes, then step back and let nature take over. This isn’t a plant that appreciates heavy fertilizing or fussing—it prefers the set it and forget it approach.
The key to success is recreating woodland conditions. Add compost or leaf mold to your soil, ensure good drainage, and provide consistent shade. Once happy, obolaria will slowly spread to form small colonies, though don’t expect it to happen overnight.
The Bottom Line on Obolaria
Obolaria might not be the flashiest addition to your garden, but it serves an important role in native plant communities and can be a valuable addition to woodland gardens or naturalized areas. If you’re someone who appreciates subtle beauty, ecological authenticity, and plants with interesting stories, obolaria could be worth a spot in your shade garden.
Just remember—this is a plant for native plant enthusiasts and woodland garden lovers, not for those seeking dramatic garden focal points. Sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that teach us to slow down and appreciate nature’s quieter moments.
